Second branchial cleft cysts (BCCs) are common congenital causes of neck swellings; however, isolated parapharyngeal space presentation is extremely rare, with only sporadic cases reported. Our objectives in this report are to describe a case and review different diagnostic and management strategies adopted in the current world literature. The case presented is a 26-year-old female with a large isolated parapharyngeal BCC extending to skull base in which first presenting symptoms were referred otalgia and painful side-to-side head rotation for months followed by odynophagia. A previously ordered computed tomography (CT) scan suspected a parapharyngeal abscess. Correct diagnosis was preoperatively achieved using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing a 3.1 × 3.4 × 5.4 cm parapharyngeal BCC. Cyst was completely surgically excised transoral without complications. No evidence of recurrence has been noted after 24-month follow-up. A comprehensive world literature search for all reported cases in the last 30-years revealed thirty cases in 23 separate case reports with different diagnostic and surgical modalities adopted. Presentation and management strategies in such rare cases are discussed in detail. Our study shows that although rare, BCC diagnosis should be kept in mind while dealing with isolated parapharyngeal space swellings with MRI being key for successful preoperative diagnosis. If encountered, the transoral route can be a safe, aesthetically pleasing and effective way for complete surgical excision in contrast to most other parapharyngeal swellings, which are usually better excised via a transcervical approach.
Background
The aim of this study is to discuss the detailed surgical steps of the endoscopic-assisted epi-tympanic approach (EAEA) to the round window (RW) as a safe, precise, and reliable approach for cochlear implantation (CI) and also to evaluate possible problems and limitations faced, their management strategies, and how to overcome.
Results
This study was carried on 40 patients admitted for cochlear implantation (CI). The patients were divided into two equal groups; the first group underwent CI via the endoscopic-assisted epitympanic approach (EAEA), while the second group was a comparison group and underwent CI via the classic posterior tympanotomy. There was a statistical significant difference as regards scalar location of CI electrodes; all EAEA cases were inserted through ST in comparison to 45% of conventional cases. There was no statistical significant difference as regards linear and angular insertion depth between the two groups. The EAEA group needed shorter time to finish the procedure taking from 90 to 195 min, whereas the conventional group consumed longer time ranging from 120 to 185 min; a difference that was found to be statistically significant. No facial nerve injury was reported in the endoscopic approach.
Conclusions
Endoscope-assisted epitympanic approach (EAEA) is a reliable and safe approach for soft surgery CI. Visualization of the RW and insertion of the electrode under endoscopic control was significantly reliable and successful in all cases.
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